§ 32. Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the unfortunate impression created amongst men of the Territorial Force by withholding the overseas medal from those who have the 1914 and 1915 stars; whether the whole idea of this medal was to recognise those who, although civilians, had trained in peace time and were ready to go abroad in the first few months of war; and whether the fact that they have any other medal is irrelevant to this main point?
§ 33. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War whether the proposed Territorial Medal is being granted in recognition of the fact that officers, non-commissioned officers, and men had served for four pears prior to the War and at the outbreak of War undertook Foreign Service liabilities?
§ 14. Major BORWICKasked why active service abroad in 1914 and 1915, when it was most needed, is to disqualify pre-War Territorials from the award of that medal which is going to be given to similar men who did not go abroad till 1916?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt was originally proposed that this special medal should be granted to all Territorials who were serving on the 4th August or who had served for a period of not less than four years prior to the War and who rejoined the Force on the outbreak of War provided they undertook to serve overseas on or before the 30th September, 1914, and were passed as physically fit and accepted for service overseas. After full consideration, however, it was decided that it was undesirable that any soldier should be in a position to earn four medals for service during the War, and it was accordingly provided that those who were entitled to the 1914 or 1914–1915 Star should not participate in this award.
§ Major COPEWill this medal be granted to officers and men of the Territorial Force who volunteered in August, 1914, and did not go overseas until 1916?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes. The medal is intended to meet such cases.
§ Major COPEThey volunteered in August, 1914, and their services were accepted then.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTSince the reply is in the affirmative what justification is there for refusing to grant the Territorial medal to those Territorials who possess the qualifications and who were specially selected to go to France in 1914 and 1915; and will, regular soldiers who have the 1914 or. 1915 Star be deprived of the long service and good conduct medal?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe decision was taken on the ground that it was not desirable to give four medals.